We present findings from the deployment of a mobile application, Take and
Give, which allows users to place image files in a virtual folder or ‘Pocket’ on
a mobile phone. This content can be viewed by a set of ‘Buddies’, who can, if
they wish, attempt to take ownership of a file for themselves, following which
they can keep it, delete it, or place it in the Pocket of someone else. There is
only one version of each file, creating a twist on traditional sharing
technologies. We report findings from a three week trial of the application in an
office space, and describe how Take and Give provided a means of
self-presentation and supported a sense of awareness, mutual attentiveness and
connectedness. Our findings suggest that the taking of unique content can be an
engaging form of sharing and can facilitate awareness and connectedness between
people.